With rumours of protests against manager Alan Pardew there will be pressure to get a win against Hull City. The Toon Army will be boosted by the return of Cheick Tiote after making a substitute appearance in last week’s 4-0 loss to Southampton. Rolando Aarons is injured until November meanwhile Papiss Cisse’s return is likely not to be this weekend.
The ‘poster boy’ of the protests Hatem Ben Arfa cannot play against his parent club with Tom Ince or Sone Aluko in line to replace him for this match. Meanwhile Stephen Quinn has passed a medical check after knocking his ankle against West Ham on Monday night.
After many called for Pardew’s head after his headbutt against David Meyler 6 months ago it could be a game against Hull that could provide the fatal blow. 8 points have been accumulated since that game which was now 14 matches ago. Hull and Steve Bruce will be hoping to add further to the misery and would hope that they can have a repeat performance of when they last visited St James Park.
On Hull's first Premier League visit to St James' Park six years ago this month, they emerged victorious, taking advantage of yet another period of dissent as supporters vented their fury at the unexpected departure of Kevin Keegan.
- Hull have won their previous three league matches at St James' Park. Newcastle's last victory was in March 1990 in the old Division Two.
- Last season, Hull twice came from a goal down to win 3-2 courtesy of Sone Aluko's winner on 21 September.
- None of the last six competitive meetings between these sides have ended as a home win - there have been four away wins and two draws.
